Graham Nash was among those who was presented with an OBE for a remarkable career in music and described the honour as a “highlight” of his life.

The singer, who found success with the Hollies and then Crosby, Stills and Nash, appeared humbled by the experience of meeting the Queen and said his parents, now dead, would have been “incredibly proud” of their son.

Mr Nash, 68, was presented with the OBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, for services to music and charitable activities, in the diplomatic and overseas list, having taken US citizenship in 1978.

Speaking after the ceremony the musician, who has lived in Hawaii for more than 30 years and speaks with a slight American accent, said: “Receiving this was very profound. I’m from Salford, from a very poor family and to have been on the journey I’ve been on since I was 13 years old, when I wanted to be a musician – (the OBE) it’s a highlight of my life.

“This is my country and my Queen gave me an honour – it’s a stunning experience.”

Mr Nash’s family were based in Salford but his mother headed to Blackpool to give birth, due to the constant threat of air raids around Manchester during the World War II.

He befriended future bandmate Allan Clarke at school and by the time they were teenagers they were performing around Manchester as The Two Teens, with Mr Nash’s ability to harmonise already notable.